Like all vehicles on the automotive market, purchasing a car does have its pros and cons. Although many would willingly consider purchasing a new vehicle out of habit, investing in a reconditioned vehicle can also offer the same benefits - and for almost half the price!
When buying a used car, one major factor to take into consideration is the vehicle's reliability. More often than not, a lot of people would assume the age of the car is a determining factor, but this isn’t entirely true. If anything, the make and model of the car can (more often than not) be a great indicator of its credibility, so always research the manufacturer's background before purchasing.
For those that are looking for a credible and practical vehicle, then the Citroen Berlingo MPV is a great option to consider. Rated around 3.5 - 4 out of 5 stars, the model scores top marks for reliability, adaptability and best of all, cost-effectiveness. Great for anyone who’s looking to purchase a used Citroen Berlingo for the long run!
While we focus on the Flair in more depth, below is a brief overview of the pros and cons of a Citroen Berlingo. Its other models include the Rip Curl, Feel and Flair XTR (which is later mentioned).
For those looking for a family-friendly vehicle, the Berlingo ticks most boxes! While its XL version can accommodate up to seven passengers, there’s plenty of head and legroom for both the driver and the passengers. In addition to its space-saving pockets which you can find along with the dashboard and doors, the Berlingo’s large boot is around 775L for the M size. While this car is perfect for family trips away, the Citroen Berlingo doesn’t stop there as its titanic boot is also available at a whopping 1050L with the XL model.
If you require a little more luxury, the Flair’s interior does come with a splash of colour, LED running lights and a touch-screen display which features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Cruise control is also available as well as automatic headlights, however, if you’re looking to purchase a used Citroen Berlingo vehicle, check if optional extras are installed.
Although its outer design does no favours in distinguishing it from the Citroen van, don’t let the exterior fool you.
Regardless of its van-like traits, the Berlingo offers a relatively smooth drive for both its manual and automatic models. For those that opt for manual, the gearbox can come across as a tad clunky when changing gears, nonetheless, it's fairly sleek to move around. For automatics, you may find that the car is a little hesitant at responding when pulling away from crossings/lights.
All in all, the steering is light and fairly responsive, which works wonders for completing parking manoeuvres or busy city ventures. Though a quiet drive, there are noises which you’ll capture from wind traps such as the wing mirrors and windscreens.
Citroen has upped its game when it comes to safety; offering safety features incomparable to its competitors. At entry-level, buyers can expect automatic emergency braking, fatigue and lane assistance, which is a steal for anyone purchasing a used Citroen Berlingo.
Speed limit recognition and limiters are also available, while parking sensors are included for both the Flair and XL versions.
The pricing of a Citroen Berlingo varies from model to model, with XL and electric generations costing higher than the standard package; that said the Berlingo is a lot cheaper than most SUVs on the market.
If you’re looking for similar review ratings (as listed above), then the Berlingo Flair 2018 model is available to purchase just shy of £25k. If this is still out of your price range, opt for a reconditioned model to save yourself around £10,000. Although this may be pricey to some, you can determine the car’s value by asking the previous owner what additional extras have been installed.
When using the vehicle, its insurance group lies around 10 - 17, which means the car is fairly reasonably priced. Tax costs also follow suit, averaging at around £140 a year (of course, depending on the year, model and usage).
All in all, the Citroen Berlingo is great for its practicality! If you can disregard its van-like features, the Berlingo does fall favourably compared to its competitors. Its spacious interior, safety features and additional mod-cons provide a comfortable experience - for both the passenger and driver - all at a relatively good cost.